Harvella Printup

Bio

Model: Harvella Printup
Multiple sclerosis
Legal assistant

In my early 20s, I struggled with severe migraines and was unsure what and why they suddenly took vengeance on my body. I had a spinal tap and an MRI to see what was going on. The report showed several choices of what the problem could be, but the doctors didn’t find any concrete or confirmed reason behind it.

Later, I began experiencing multiple issues with my balance and bouts of falling while taking up running and walking as a form of exercise and weight loss, but I soon found my legs losing strength altogether. After another spinal tap, extensive blood work, and a brain, cervical, and thoracic MRI, I was told I had multiple sclerosis. It was somewhat of a relief to finally have an actual diagnosis after decades of being in limbo.

When I was approached with this project, I never realized how much I needed it. While “not knowing” what to expect next, along with knowing that more issues will be forthcoming throughout my lifetime, I wanted to experience something beautiful. With thoughts of others seeing me as damaged and unseen, this was an opportunity to show others how I feel inside, along with proving to myself that I’m stronger than I gave myself credit for. As you can see, my photo reveals me as a Conqueror because “No Matter What Is Thrown My Way, I Will Conquer It All.”